NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V385
Manufacturer Thor Motor Coach
Components SUSPENSION
Potential Number of Units Affected 691
Insufficient U-Bolt Torque Causing Axle Separation
The loose U-bolts may further loosen or break allowing the axle to separate and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary
Thor Motor Coach (TMC) is recalling certain 2019 Thor Four Winds, Chateau, Freedom Elite, Majestic, Outlaw, Quantum and Vegas motorhomes built on modified Ford E-450 chassis. The U-bolts on the rear axle that hold the leaf spring and rear axle together may have been insufficiently tightened.
Remedy
TMC has notified owners, and dealers will tighten U-bolts to the proper torque, free of charge. The recall began on June 22, 2018. Owners may contact TMC customer service at 1-877-855-2867. TMC’s number for this recall is RC000156.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall Repair Instructions
| Recall # | 18V-385
2018-302 | ||
| Description/Title: | MORryde U-Bolts Torque | ||
| Affected Product Line(s): | Certain MY 2019 2019 Chateau, Four Winds, Freedom Elite, Majestic, Outlaw, Quantum, and Vegas motorhomes | ||
| Service Campaign # : | RC000156 | Released Date: | 06/20/2018 |
| Repair Code: | TMCRC80473V | Document Date: | 06/20/2018 |
| Time Allowed: | 0.3 | Document Revision: | A |
Issue:
On certain model year 2019 Chateau, Four Winds, Freedom Elite, Majestic, Outlaw, Quantum, and Vegas motorhomes, MORryde International, Inc. notified TMC that Ford E-450 units that had wheelbase modifications during the dates of March 6th, 2018 through April 18th, 2018, have unverified u-bolt torque and are affected by this recall. Insufficient torque on the u-bolts may cause the u-bolts to loosen or break, resulting in the potential for the rear axle to break away from the chassis. This could lead to loss of control over the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property.
Instructions:
Please reference the pdf attachment “U-Bolt Recall Instructions” for MORryde’s recall repair instructions.
NOTE: To request approval for additional time over the allotted amount to complete the repair, please contact MORryde directly at warranty@morryde.com. Please be sure to obtain the approval # to reference when submitting the authorization to TMC.
Thor Motor Coach
1-877-500-1020
NHTSA Recall # 18V-385
Transport Canada Recall # 2018-302
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE
Dear MORryde Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
MORryde has detected that Ford E-450 units that had wheelbase modification during the dates of March 6th, 2018 through April 18th, 2018, have unverified u-bolt torque and are affected by this recall. The OEM u-bolts were replaced by MORryde as part of the wheelbase modification process. This wheelbase modification service has been sold to numerous RV and bus companies.
REASON FOR RECALL: The u-bolts installed over the rear axle hold the leaf springs and rear axle together. Insufficient torque on the u-bolts may cause the u-bolts to loosen or break resulting in the potential for the rear axle to break away from the chassis. This could lead to loss of control over the vehicle and pose danger to the vehicle operator and other motorists.
REMEDY: Tighten u-bolts to required torque. This service can be provided for no charge at an RV service center or authorized Ford dealer. Discontinue use of vehicle until the vehicle can be serviced to prevent the risk of injury.
If after having attempted to take advantage of this recall you believe you have not been able to have your defective part remedied without charge and within a reasonable amount of time, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll-free vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov.
We apologize for any inconvenience this safety recall may cause, but your safety is our first concern.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL NOTICE
OBJECTIVE: Tighten u-bolts to required torque.
TOOLS REQUIRED:
- Torque wrench with at least 170 ft-lb capacity
- Socket extension 5″ or longer
- 15/16 deep well socket
- (Optional) Air jack
TIME ALLOWED: .30 hours
SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS:
- Set torque wrench to 170 ft-lb.
- The best way to access the u-bolts is straight above the rear tires facing the sidewall of the unit. It may be necessary to use an air jack or floor jack under the rear hitch or frame extensions to provide access for the torque wrench and extension to fit under the sidewall. (Exhibit A)
EXHIBIT A
- Using Exhibit B below as a guide, tighten u-bolt 1 until the torque wrench has reached the set torque 170 ft-lb. After this is complete, continue tightening the rest of the u-bolts following the diagonal pattern depicted in Exhibit B in order 1, 4, 2, 3.
- Once all four u-bolts on one side of the vehicle have been tightened to the required torque to 170 ft-lb, repeat step three on the other side of the vehicle.
18V-385
2018-302
RC000156
06/20/2018
18V-385
2018-302
RC000156
06/20/2018
Recall Acknowledgement
July 6, 2018
- Durable Ratchet Head: Made from Hardened treated Chrome Vanadium steel alloy (Cr-V) Corrosion-Retardant: Satin Finish. Made in Taiwan
- Easy Storage: A sturdy plastic storage case is included. Non-Slip Grip: Knurled handle
- Easy to Read: High Contrast & Dual Range Scale. Accurate: Pre-Calibrated to ± 4%
- Accessories included: 1/2" Drive 5" long Extension Bar
- Simple and Reliable: “Click” sound tells the preset torque value is reached. Stop applying force when you hear and feel it.
- PRECISE & HIGH QUALITY - Manufactured in Taiwan, our torque wrench is engineered for superior precision. It ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy, ensuring dependable results every time. Includes a calibration certificate with a trackable serial number for your assurance.
- DURABLE - Built to last, featuring a reinforced ratchet gear head made from hardened, heat-treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel for maximum strength and durability.
- LONGEVITY - Protect your investment with our proprietary Electro-Black finish, providing advanced rust and corrosion resistance for extended tool life.
- PERFORMANCE - Easily read and set torque levels with our patent-pending dual-range scale. The high-contrast, yellow-on-black markings are designed for easy visibility, even in low-light conditions.
- OMFORT - Equipped with a reversible ratchet head that drives in both directions and measures torque in a clockwise direction. The ergonomic, knurled handle ensures a non-slip, comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue.
- 【9-in-1 Torque Solution】Complete set includes 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive click torque wrenches plus 6 essential adapters (extension bars, universal joint, drive adapters) securely stored in a sturdy portable case.
- 【High Precision & Dual Scales】Factory-calibrated to ±3% accuracy with included certificate; features dual-range scales (1/4": 10-220 in.lb, 3/8": 5-45 ft.lb, 1/2": 10-170 ft.lb) for versatile application coverage.
- 【Clear & Safe Audible Click】Upgraded loud "Click" sound provides a distinct, reliable signal (strong over 5 N.m, subtle under) when preset torque is reached, preventing overtightening and ensuring safety.
- 【Smooth 72-Tooth Ratchet & Quick Release】Reversible 72-tooth ratchet head offers a low 5° arc swing for use in tight spaces and smooth operation in both directions. Quick-release button ensures secure socket changes.
- 【Durable Construction & Wide Use】Hardened Cr-V steel ratchet heads and phosphated adapters resist wear; aerospace aluminum handles ensure lightweight strength and corrosion resistance. Ideal for precise torque on bikes, motorcycles, cars, trucks, wheels, and industrial applications. Backed by 24-month support.
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING - Rust & corrosion protection with our unique and newly invented Electro-Black finish treatment.
- PERFORMANCE - Features an easy-to-read, highlighted yellow print dual-range scale. Identify the markings even in low-light conditions.
- COMFORTABLE - Comes with a reversible ratchet head that drives in both directions and measure torque in a clockwise direction.
- 3/8 inch drive torque wrench with 15-80 ft.-lb./20.4-108.5 Nm range; reminder: to prevent the ratchet from breaking, please do not overload the torque wrench
- Durable ratchet head made from hardened treated Chrome Vanadium steel alloy (Cr-V); bright, full polish chrome finish wipes easily clean and resists rust and corrosion
- High contrast and dual range scale pre-calibrated to ± 4%; tips: for precise scale adjustment, please use the imperial scale; the conversion formula between imperial scale and metric scale is 1 Nm = 8.86 in-lbs
- Includes sturdy plastic case for storage and portability
- NOTE: unlock before adjusting the torque value, lock after adjusting for stability of working torque; when finished, loosen locking ring and adjust to the lowest value for next use
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